Anxiety about all of the contradicting info!!

Telugammayi87

I must admit, all of the different advice on what is correct, what is incorrect, eat exercise calories, don't eat exercise calories, eat protein here but not here, your body is burning carbs not fat, don't eat at this time, eat more calories, eat less calories, stalling... etc etc etc.....

It's all making me ANXIOUS about eating AND exercising. I lost 12lbs last month eating 1240 calories/day. AFter reading the forums I upped my calories to about 1320 calories per day PLUS I'm eating back most of my exercise calories. I feel like I'm eating more than I have in a LONG time.... some days have to force myself to eat more to get to the calorie level I need.

I didn't lose any weight last week (but I'm thinking that's because of TOM)

Overall since June 2010 I've lost 99 lbs. Which yes, is GREAT... My current weight is 191lbs (at height of 5'8") I wish I had before pics to compare to, but I did not take any.... I took some "during" pics last night in just undies and now I feel like S*** because I feel like I look like a fat whale still. I know I've lost nearly 100lbs, but I feel like I still have so far to go.... and I feel anxious because college starts back on August 25. I work full time and attend school full time which means I have ZERO time to go to the gym during the semester. I'm trying to lose as much as possible (in a healthy way) before then.

Would it be okay to eat the 1240 calories for the next 2 months only plus my exercise calories ( i go to the gym 4 nights per week (strength and cardio), and do some sort of outdoor activity on the weekends) and then when school starts do a metabolism reset and increase my daily caloric intake? I started out very motivated when I joined a month ago, and I still am... I've just become anxious after reading all of the contradicting "right and wrong" ways to do it on here. I'm even considering doing the Fast 5 IF, but my boyfriend makes that difficult on the weekends.....

Basically... does anyone have suggestions on what is "right" for me? My diary is open to all...(please note that I usually eat more fruits and veggies on a daily basis, but it's Thursday which is my day to go to the Farmer's Market and I've pretty much run out of fruit and veggies this week!)

mcarter99

I would say pick a respected PUBLISHED weight loss plan and ignore all the garbage you read here. Pick something middle of the road that's not suggesting you remove whole food groups. Mayo Clinic has a good book. WW has good plans. There are really tons of great resources out there.

About the calorie level, I think given your past success that you are far more qualified than anyone here to determine what is safe and right for you. The authorities will say that you are not hurting yourself at 1200-some calories so if you liked that method and it worked for you and you want to return to it, I wouldn't let anything you read here deter you.

Spanaval

You've lost 99 pounds! And kept it off. Keep doing what has worked for you. As long as you're remaining healthy, there is no need to mess with what clearly works for you.

JustJennie1

Do what works for you. You're going to get a lot of opinions on how many calories you should be eating and whether or not you should eat your exercise calories back. You've lost 99 pounds doing what's worked for you so far. Unless you've reached a plateau on the calorie consumption and doing what you're doing then I don't see why a few more months doing your program your way would be bad for you.

It's all trial and error and what works for you specifically.

Telugammayi87

Thank you all Just needing some fresh air after reading too much on here!! Thanks again !